AFFI Shares 10 Ways Frozen Foods Can Support National Health Goals

American Frozen Food Institute Releases Policy Recommendations for Make America Healthy Again Commission

ARLINGTON, Va., Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) released a series of policy recommendations demonstrating how frozen foods can support the Trump administration's Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) agenda. These ten recommendations highlight frozen foods' role in expanding access to nutritious, affordable, and convenient food options for millions of Americans, particularly for busy families and communities in food deserts. The recommendations also support the administration's goals to improve children's health and reduce diet-related chronic disease. 

AFFI issued these recommendations as the MAHA Commission nears release of a "Make Our Children Healthy Again" comprehensive strategy by August 12. AFFI applauds the administration's call for improved diets and wider access to nutrient-dense whole foods.

"The frozen food industry is committed and ready to help the Trump administration fully realize the vision of a healthier America," said Dr. Donna Garren, Executive Vice President of Government Affairs with AFFI. "Frozen foods offer accessible whole meal solutions directly aligned with MAHA's key priorities. From fruits and vegetables to prepared meals, frozen foods are uniquely positioned to drive meaningful progress in improving diets nationwide."

Frozen foods are a keystone of resilient food systems. Freezing is simply a change in temperature that preserves food and locks in nutrients. These foods are easy to prepare, have comparable nutrition to fresh and homemade counterparts, and an extended shelf life that means reduced food waste. AFFI's policy recommendations for the MAHA Commission directly address key areas where frozen foods can enhance existing federal programs, including:

• Expanding Access Through Federal Programs: Including frozen fruits, vegetables, proteins, legumes, and grains in federal nutrition programs such as SNAP, WIC, school meals, and the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program.
• Recognizing Nutritional Value in Dietary Guidelines: Ensuring the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recognize frozen foods as aligned with healthy eating patterns and providing nutrient-dense meal options.
• Strengthening Food Safety and Transparency: Requiring mandatory GRAS notification for new ingredients to further bolster transparency and consumer trust.
• Including Frozen Foods in Food-as-Medicine: Including frozen produce and meals in medically tailored meal programs and authorizing frozen foods for FSA/HSA purchases to support chronic disease management.

Frozen foods offer MAHA solutions that work with real life: variety, ease-of-preparation, cost effectiveness, and nutritional comparability to fresh and homemade counterparts. Additionally, the long shelf life of frozen foods reduces food waste and helps consumers manage and expand their grocery budget, offering both environmental and economic benefits.

As the Trump administration moves from recommendations to implementation, AFFI encourages policymakers to recognize the role frozen foods hold in expanding access to affordable, nutrient-rich meals through federal nutrition programs and dietary guidance. These 10 policy steps represent concrete actions that can immediately expand access for millions of American families. For additional information about the benefits of frozen foods, visit www.frozenadvantage.org.

About AFFI
The American Frozen Food Institute is the member-driven national trade association representing all segments of the frozen food supply chain from manufacturers to suppliers and distributors. AFFI advocates before legislative and regulatory entities on the industry's behalf, serves as the voice for the industry and convenes industry leadership to create an environment where frozen foods are essential in a dynamic marketplace. www.affi.org

SOURCE American Frozen Food Institute